2016 Fire Prevention Week Still Focused on Smoke Alarms "Why focus on smoke alarms three years in a row? Because NFPA's survey data shows that the public has many misconceptions about smoke alarms, which may put them at increased risk in the event of a home fire. For example, only a small percentage of people know how old their smoke alarms are, or how often they need to be replaced," NFPA noted. Aug 23, 2016 This year’s Fire Prevention Week campaign is "Don't Wait – Check the Date! Replace Smoke Alarms Every 10 Years," and it is the final year of NFPA's three-year effort to educate the public about basic but essential elements of smoke alarm safety. The week is being marked Oct. 9-15. "Why focus on smoke alarms three years in a row? Because NFPA's survey data shows that the public has many misconceptions about smoke alarms, which may put them at increased risk in the event of a home fire. For example, only a small percentage of people know how old their smoke alarms are, or how often they need to be replaced," NFPA noted, adding that, as a result of such findings, it is addressing smoke alarm replacement this year with a focus on these messages: Smoke alarms should be replaced every 10 years. Make sure you know how old all of the smoke alarms are in your home. (To find out how old a smoke alarm is, look at the date of manufacture on the back of the alarm; the alarm should be replaced 10 years from that date.) NFPA offers materials and resources at this page.